8 Seconds

Director : John G. Avildsen

Producer : Michael Shamberg

Writer : Monte Merrick

Rating : Pg-13

Running Time : 1hr  44mins

Genre : modern /western

Cast : Luke Perry, Stephen Baldwin, Cynthia Geary, James Rebhorn

                              In his feature film starring debut, Luke Perry plays Lane Frost, an Oklahoma farm boy who became world champion bull rider in 1987 but was tragically killed in a rodeo accident two years later at age 25. Virtually all the characters in Monte Merrick's script are based on real people.

                          The film begins with Lane's childhood, showing his parents as rural hard working-class folks who start their son out early on the road to rodeo stardom. As Lane grows up, the rodeo becomes second nature to him as he travels the circuit with two buddies, the rowdy, fun-loving Tuff (Stephen Baldwin) and the more staid, married Cody (Red Mitchell). Lane, meanwhile, gains a reputation as the nicest guy on the circuit, always taking time out for fans and giving instruction to youngsters. Eventually, Lane falls for a champion horse rider named Kellie Kyle (Cynthia Geary, of TV's "Northern Exposure") and begins to court her, though she is initially reluctant. And a good deal of the rest of the movie is devoted to their romance and turbulent marriage. "8 Seconds" takes a smooth but sometimes bumpy ride through the life of a great bucking bull rider.

         The action sequences are pretty good, although I would have liked to seen more, this film is based on the life of a true cowboy and hero to many people. Lane Frost was one of the all time best!

8/10 Stars